Archaeological Soil and Sediment Micromorphology Course

Location: Athens, Greece

Season: May 22, 2023 to May 26, 2023

Session Dates: May 22-26, 2023

Application Deadline: February 10, 2023

Deadline Type: Exact Date

Website: https://www.ascsa.edu.gr/programs/wl-micromorphology-course

Program Type:
Field School

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
American School of Classical Studies at Athens

Project Director:
Dr. Panagiotis (Takis) Karkanas, Director of the Wiener Laboratory, and Dr. Paul Goldberg, Senior Visiting Professor, Institut für Naturwissenschaftliche Archäologie (INA), University of Tübingen

Project Description:

An intensive week-long course in Archaeological Micromorphology is offered by the Malcolm H. Wiener Laboratory for Archaeological Science. Dr. Panagiotis (Takis) Karkanas, Director of the Wiener Laboratory, and Dr. Paul Goldberg, Senior Visiting Professor, Institut für Naturwissenschaftliche Archäologie (INA), University of Tübingen, will lead the course, which will primarily focus on deciphering site formation processes and micro-stratigraphy. Students will receive instruction in optical mineralogy, description, and interpretation of micromorphological thin sections based on analysis of soil fabrics and sedimentary microstructures.

Training will include the study of:
• Soils and pedogenic processes
• Natural processes in archaeological sites (e.g. water and debris flows, wind-blown sediment, standing water sediment)
• Biological sediments (e.g., dung, coprolites, guano)
• Anthropogenic processes (e.g., burning, stabling, living and constructed floors, dumping and filling, trampling, raking, building materials)
• Post-depositional alterations (e.g., chemical diagenesis, bioturbation)

A maximum of 8 students will be accepted for the course. Preference is given to advanced students with a background in geoarchaeology, and preferably some exposure to optical mineralogy as well.

The course will take place from May 22-26, 2023. Applications should be submitted no later than February 10, 2023 via the online application form. Applications will include a brief cover letter outlining the candidate’s background and interest in participating in the course, a CV, and names and email addresses of two referees. Referees might be contacted for references after the application deadline, if necessary. Applicants will be notified in March. Participants who successfully complete the course of instruction will receive a certificate detailing the content of the course.

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: May 22-26, 2023

Minimum Age: 18

Room and Board Arrangements:
Training fee is 350 euros for the entire week. Accommodation is not provided, but we will offer recommendations and assistance to course participants in order to arrange accommodation themselves.